About this project

A 2D game with a twist. Our unique engine allows for 3D movement in all directions.

Filled with stunning artwork.

A action adventure game with strong Role playing and crafting elements.

Going to have a very different way of telling your players story, built upon your players choices the possibilities will be endless.

A game with a dynamic inventory system, where weight and size take up real space in your containers.

Lets get a little deeper...

The way I want the final game to play and feel, has not been achieved before. I want to create a beautiful art and story focused experience with the content and depth of a triple A title. The engine itself is going to be extremely robust. I want you to feel like your reading a really good book while simultaneously watching an incredible film.

I want the visuals to be either directly translated concept art or as close as possible. I want it to feel like a moving painting.

We are going to make use of a dynamic rendering system were textures are resampled every update to provide crystal clear quality at any size.

Set in a medieval setting, I want this world to feel like a living breathing place. There will be a diverse amount of area from sprawling countrysides with farm houses and small villages, to lush dense forests with enough resources to last a lifetime. There will also be large mountains were blizzards and white outs are the norm. Oceans and lakes were you can sail and discover new areas. I want to make this an extremely immersive experience, every time your interact with a object or a person, I want you to feel like its part of this world, it has a tangible place.

There is going to be destructability in the environment and creation. The ability to shape the world will be yours.

The combat in the game is going to be action and skill oriented. Using a system based upon attacking, defending and countering. Combat is going to feel gritty and harsh. There will be no health bar, something that should kill you... WILL. Now that does not mean you wont be able to protect yourself it just means you need to be aware. There will be magic along with many different types of weapons and you be able to make your own from materials you find.

At the beginning of the game you will not be a master of anything, you have to use things to get better. So you might have trouble handling a sword, but later on you will be cleaving enemies in half.

I want you to be able to play your way. Essentially you wont have to touch the main story line if you do not want to. With all the open ended ways to play the game it is not a requirement but the story none the less will be extremely well written. It will not involve the kingdom you live in or any free standing society. It will be your personal journey. Figuring it out on your own.

There will be several nations in the game. You will be able to travel between them and throughout the course of play you might see them rise or fall, Kings will die and be replaced by heirs who may or may not be the best suited for the job. All of this does not affect the storyline or your character at all and you can choose to be a part of it or not. Assassinate a king for a hefty reward or organize a just and righteous rebellion. Its all there for you to enjoy.

The economy of these nations will be as realistic as possible. Seeing as how your inventory will be restricted, If you want to delve into the trade you need to be smart about it. You will have to think about how you can make it easier on yourself to buy and sell. You will be able to build larger and easier to use containers as you go along such as carts, chests, and anything else you can think of.

We are going to bring you the best possible 2D game we can, and if that gets you excited then why don't you pledge and take the time to make this project a success. Its just to good to not become reality.

Lets talk about the funding goal. I know how much it takes to make a game of this caliber, our goal is not that amount. The base goal is the amount it will take to deliver all the features at their bare-bones minimum. Are you extremely sad... I know me too. That is why it is extremely pivotal for this project to get over funded because I want those awesome features and I'm sure you do too. So that being said let's talk about exactly what we'll get for our base goal.

Limited world size

Bare minimum of crafting, mostly potions and weapons. No building cities from the ground up.

No multiplayer

Role playing elements limited

Dynamic inventory will be intact

Action oriented combat still intact

Artwork still be top notch

Bare minimum of economy

Storyline limited

Now, if we get over funded we will be adding entire chunks of game not little morsels that don't matter. I hate it when projects have stretch goals that don't have anything to do with the project. Its infuriating. Our stretch goals will be displayed in the actual amount needed.

$35,000 - Character Creation and Customization

$40,000 - Increased World Size and Economy

$50,000 - Crafting System will allow for Digging mines and moving earth

$60,000 - Increased World Size and ROBUST Economy, also the monarchy system will be at 100% of what we envision.

$75,000 - Maximum World Size, 100% crafting system, EVERYTHING in the game will be destructable, and craftable with the right materials. You will be able to shape the earth to your liking and build what you want. Storyline will Increase.

$100,000 - Maximum Storyline. Base Multiplayer features.

$125,000 - All features at 100% except Multiplayer.

$150,000 - Full Multiplayer. Which will include drop in drop out Co-Op, where other players will be able to enter your game world and be able to interact with it just like you do. They can help you with quests, building, fighting, and just overall be a part of your world. There will also be competitive multiplayer modes.

And then for every $25k more we receive we will have the backers vote on what they want next. We will also add another nation to the game for every $25k.

Most of the rewards are explained to the right but I will go more in depth on the specifics.

Wallpaper

A very simple way of saying thank you. Your support means more than you think. Comes in white or black.

Wristband

A stylish silicone wristband to let the world know how you feel about crowdfunding. Only in blue.

T-Shirt

HOLY COW!!! that is a nice looking Poly-Blend. Receive great looking shirt for your support. Comes in black or white, any size.

Create-A-Ingredient

Help us make the next generation of alchemy supplies. A fun process were we will talk about how long this thing grows and what exactly does it do? A great way to be a part of the game. Will be received after the engine is complete.

Create-A-Item

This one is a lot of fun because the amount of options you have. It can be a weapon, armor, anything that can fit in your inventory, special material such a sacred metal or infected wood. Everyone will be able to see you creativity. Oh and don't worry for all Create-A rewards if your not very creative we will lend a hand. Will be received after the engine is complete.

Create-A-Enemy

Our bad guys in the game are not going to be your run of the mill baddies. They are going to be unique and original. So by injecting some of your thoughts on things that might hurt you. We will come up together with a thing that everyone will truly hate. Will be received after the engine is complete.

Create-A-NPC

This is a good one. Help us create that memorable character. Maybe its a hilarious shopkeeper or a battle hardened veteran who will be by your side in times of need. There's so much room here for creativity its unreal. Will be received after the engine is complete.

Create-A-Area

Have you ever thought about places that don't exist. Little taverns tucked away in back alleys, full of rough looking individuals ready for a fight. Maybe a huge monolith tower in the desert were religious pilgrims go to celebrate their diety. If you have then you cant go wrong here. Will be received after the engine is complete.

When can I get it?

Alright well the development on this is going to be a little different. First we are going to build an Engine for our game that way the actual development is streamlined. Then we are going to release a beta so you can see exactly how this game is going to look and act. Finally we will complete the final game and release it to you. Now depending on how the project goes and how much funding we receive will give us our timeline. ABSOLUTELY though this will not take more than two years. I would like to nose to the grindstone and finish it in a year or less but again that is were the funding matters.

So who are you?

Good question. My name is Luke Frank, Founder and Creator of COOLHANDGAMES and the Apotheosis project. So far for the project is just me. I designed the whole thing by myself, I created all the art, I programmed the rudimentary engine, I recorded the video and wrote this page. I am also completely self-taught. So... all of that scared you didn't it. I know... How can I deliver a product like this? Well I'm not completely alone actually. Before I started this project I contacted a whole gaggle of artists, programmers, and designers. With all that talk concluding with a small team of people who are ready to get to work. The thing is, they need compensation. Which I understand and I'm sure you do too. I am not a billionaire though, So there is a problem. I really cannot stress enough how much we need the community on this one. I hope you guys can come along with us and enjoy this crazy ride. I would like to add though that I am a little different than your average independent game developer. I want to be able to communicate with you guys as much as possible, day or night. I want you to know that what your doing by pledging and supporting is more than amazing, it's down right saintly. So I am going to give you my PERSONAL EMAIL:(coolhandart@yahoo.com) and in the hope that you will not hesitate to contact me and ask questions and make a more informed decision on pledging. I will be waiting patiently for you guys. I will also be posting updates on this project quite frequently so stay tuned and please spread the word. Tell your friends. I guess all I can say is I haven't had many opportunities in my life, But I can assure you that if COOLHANDGAMES receives this opportunity we will seize it. We will be coming. Swinging for the fences.

Thank you for your time. YOU are an amazing person.

Risks and challenges

Well, I want to start of by saying the WHOLE thing is going to be a challenge. We are ready for it though. As with any development scenario there will be hiccups, the key thing is communication. Which we have in spades. I think our biggest challenge is getting the funding in the first place. After that its all about problem solving.

As far as risk is concerned, this is a very volatile scenario, so for me to try and sugar coat it and say there's no risk is lying to myself and to you. In life you have to take risks. The key to success is knowing and planning for stuff to go wrong. That way when it does go wrong you can save it and continue on the path you were on. Preparation makes all the difference.

This is just like the platform question. I really would like the game to reach the broadest audience possible. Although at this stage in the project I can't say wether or not things will get to that level. That being said if we do get over-Funded and have a little wiggle room in the budget. I will surely attempt at some localization. Its just to early to really start that discussion.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

A game guide/Beautiful art book from this amazing game. Will be finished toward the end of the actual game production so we have tons of amazing art to fill it with. Signed by the artist's. You also get the $30 tier. I cannot imagine what kind of karma you have built up in your life.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

Receive our project-only T-shirt and our wristband. Shirt comes in black or white, any size. The wristband is going to be light blue with white lettering recessed. Plus the $50 tier. Name will appear in credits with special thanks. If only there were more people like you in the world. Note: T-shirt and Band will be received after project ends. Other items like artbook will be received later.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

Create-a-Heir. Help us create a future king for use in the game. Will be placed into a pool of potential heirs and depending on how any one game plays out that person may or may not become king of one or more nations. An exciting way to be part of the development process. Receive a Personal Call/ Skype/ Online multiplayer match (game of your choice) with me. Additionally you will receive access to our engine after its complete to make your own games or see how we worked. You also get the $100 tier. I probably will get weepy mind you.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

Create-a-Ingredient. Help us design a plant in the game that will be seen by all. We will figure out every detail from the look, to how it grows, what properties it has, what it can be mixed with and how it interacts with the dynamic inventory system. Receive a Personal Call/ Skype/ Online multiplayer match (game of your choice) with me. Access to the complete engine. Receive the $250 tier. I don't know where you came from but I'm glad your here.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

Create-a-Item/Weapon/Unique Material. Since were building this fantastic game on top of a crafting system. This reward offers a lot of fun. Help us design some unique one of a kind item in the game for everyone to come across and use. It can be a stand alone item or some kind of strange limited material to be used in creating items of their own. Figure out its properties, how it works, and what makes its special, and even backstory. Receive a Personal Call/ Skype/ Online multiplayer match (game of your choice) with me. Access to the complete engine. Also receive the $250 tier. At some point I will probably get your name tattooed on my body.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,500 or more
About $2,500

Create-a-Enemy. Get the opportunity to help us design the most evil or benign hostile life form in this game. Anything is game. Large crazy baddies or small weak fodder. Look, feel, location, everything is yours to decide. Along with this level of pledge I would want to meet you personally(U.S. Only). Either you come here or I go to you. We can hangout, get some food, and I will cry on your shoulder uncontrollably. Access to the complete engine. Get the $250 tier too. You are now my friend wether you like it or not.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

Create-a-NPC. Join us in the whimsical and amazing process of creating a unique character that will populate this world. The sky is limit for this one. Anything you can dream up we will make it work. Everyone can meet this person in-game and depending on how they are written could help or hinder the player. Along with this level of pledge I would want to meet you personally(U.S. Only). Either you come here or I go to you. We can hangout, get some food, and I will cry on your shoulder uncontrollably. Access to the complete engine. Get the $250 tier too. I need your address so I can send you Holiday cards and to invite you to reunions.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

Create-a-Area. THIS IS IT! Help design an entire area of this amazing world. Anything you want, forest grotto, desert monolith tower, deserted island, even a completely different realm hidden away with powerful magic. This is your opportunity to completely engage in this process. You will also need to design all associated backstory, items, buildings and people created for this area. Really fantastic reward. Receive everything else. At this level do I even have to say that you are changing the world here. You deserve sainthood. I cannot even begin to describe how this will affect this project. I love you